There are numerous reasons why a parent will search for a new dance studio but whatever the reason what to look for in a school of dance depends almost entirely on your ultimate dance goals for your child. Dance studios are as varied and dancers themselves and it is important to find one whose environment and style match those of your dancer. Whether you are looking for instruction in ballet, jazz, or hiphop, competition opportunities, rigorous academic training or a fun after school activity, I strongly urge you to consider the following:
The Teacher (Know who will be teaching your child)
· Teaching Style – Observe the class your dancer would be joining and the interaction the students get with the teacher. Does the teacher sit back and simply observe the combinations? Do they demonstrate the correct and incorrect technique? Are they able to rephrase the correction for students who are struggling? Is mutual respect shown by the teacher and students? Does the teacher have patience when dealing with young children? Does the teacher work with each student individually? Do they have a working knowledge of anatomy? It is important to find a teacher with a teaching style that works well for your child. Young children are especially difficult to teach and require a teacher who has patience and a sense of humor.
· Qualifications – Just as not all dancers are made equally neither are all dance instructors. It is important to obtain high quality instruction even from an early age. Bad habits are hard to break even for a motivated student. Ask what type of specific training the teacher has in the area they are teaching? Does the teacher perform professionally or still take classes to stay current on styles and teaching methods and maintain or improve their own dancing skills? Notice if they have younger students trying the same turns and jumps that are being performed by the older dancers or are they being taught to master the basic movements that will create a strong foundation for the fancy tricks when they are ready? Remember that great dancers do not always make great teachers and great teachers may not have been great performers. It is ideal to find a good dance teacher who is also a good performer.
· Age and Experience Level – If your child will be at this studio for five –ten years it is important they have the opportunity to learn from a number of different teachers with different teaching styles. Teachers both young and old can offer a lot to your child. Young teachers may bring enthusiasm and drive but they may also lack in technique and knowledge of teaching. Older teachers can have a wealth of knowledge but might not be able to relate to their students or be well versed the latest styles. It is important to determine if the teachers are able to work in a complementary fashion to each other that will allow your dancer to grow in all areas they study.
The Studio (Understand the environment your child will be in)
· Studio Philosophy – Does the studio offer technique classes throughout the majority of the year? Or does the studio start working on recital and competition pieces early? Studios that stress the importance of technique will develop more talented dancers. Performing experience is valuable but studios that spend the majority of their time rehearsing will have students who can only perform the tricks that are put in their routines and will lack the supported technique that will allow them to be well rounded employable dancers. Does the studio have a logical progression from one class level to the next? Are the class lengths appropriate for age groups and abilities? Try to get a feel for the studio atmosphere. Does it have a competitive atmosphere or a more supportive nurturing environment? Neither one is wrong but you need to find the environment your dancer can thrive in and will be eager to be a part of.
· Facility – Ensure that the studio space is appropriately large and that the dance floor is sprung and the surface is finished appropriately. Never allow your child to attend a class with a concrete or tile floor. The floors must be able to give and absorb the impact of jumps so that your child’s joints can be protected. Most studios have sprung wood floors which may be covered in a special vinyl designed to be non-slip. Dancers need to feel a secure connection to the floor so that they can move without fear of slipping and falling. Are there high ceilings and enough surface area for the dancers to move freely? Is there a viewing area for you to easily watch classes without distracting the students?
· Classes – Note the maximum and average class size. The fewer students in a class, the more individual attention your child will receive. Large classes cannot be focused on to the needs of each individual dancer. Note how students are placed in classes. Is it done solely on age or by ability? When children are first introduced to a dance style being placed in class by age is appropriate but as they develop they need to be placed in classes that best match their abilities. Is your child at the level of her age group or decidedly above them? If they are decidedly better than the dancers of their own age, they will plateau early and it will prevent them from reaching their true potential.
· Other disciplines – Does the studio offer classes in all the areas of study you want your child to be exposed to? Do they offer additional classes and programs that focus on the dancer as whole such as fitness, Pilates, nutrition, dance history, or summer programs?
· Studio Standards – Is there a defined curriculum that helps teachers work together to advance students from level to level? Are there clear written requirements for attending class i.e. requirements that students be well groomed, neatly dressed, on time, and comport themselves with proper dance etiquette? High standards produce successful people as well as accomplished dancers.
· Make-up Classes – What is the policy for missing classes? It is a fact of life, your dancer will be sick or heaven forbid injured at some point or your family will go on vacation. Find out what happens to the missed classes you are paying for. Are there opportunities and/or expectations that your child will attend a makeup class? Is there an expectation that your child will came and observe class even if they are unable to dance?
Other Concerns
· Location – The location of the school should not be overlooked. Is it located in a safe part of town? Will you feel comfortable dropping your dancer off? The school also needs to be reasonably located so that your child may attend classes regularly. Convenience is nice but balancing the quality of the education with respect towards your long term goal is what is most important.
· Hours – Are the classes you want your child to take available at times that work for you? Make a note of how many hours of dance the average dancer puts in at your child’s age. Some schools push private lessons and extra rehearsal times for competition teams. Make sure this is the level of commitment that you are looking for.
· Financial Cost – You should ask for a written breakdown of the tuition costs and fees you will encounter during the year. Most studios have annual recitals which will require you to purchase costumes and recital tickets. What are the ticket prices and the average costume price? Is there a participation fee? Find out if there is a limit on the number of tickets available to you and where the performance is located. If you are interested in competitions, ask about the rehearsal fees and prices of costumes, travel, and the competitions themselves.
· Alumni and Students – Ask about the studio’s track record for producing students that have gone on to the future you and your child are interested in. Have the students entered professional schools or companies? Have alumni gone on to careers in performing, teaching, choreography, or other dance related areas? Do any current students perform in other venues outside of the annual recital for example Nutcracker productions or other professional performances?
Remember there are no right or wrong answers to these questions. It is important to invest some time to determine the right fit for your dancer and their ultimate goals. If you child is serious about a career in dance then a formal and disciplined studio is right for you. If your child simply wants to have a fun outlet for their excess energy then a relaxed studio with an emphasis on public performances maybe the right choice. The studio you choose is an important decision. Good training is essential for a dancer who dreams of being a professional and rewarding for a child who just loves to move. Investigate your options so that you can make the right choice for your child.
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